Bhubaneswar, July 5 -- A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal have intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area and is currently centred over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining regions.

Under its influence, Odisha is expected to witness widespread rainfall over the next 24 hours, with several districts likely to receive extremely heavy rainfall.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for five districts including Kalahandi, Boudh, Angul, Sambalpur and Sonepur where extremely heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur. People living in low-lying and vulnerable areas have been advised to remain alert as heavy downpours may lead to waterlogging, flash floods and disruption of normal life.

Weather Expert...